2023 Best Boarding High Schools in the Philadelphia Area

• Pottstown, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  123 reviews

Parent: The Hill School is aptly named the family boarding school for good reason. From our first tour, it was clear to us that Hill is more than just a top-notch education. We have two daughters at Hill and could not be more pleased with the faculty, education, after-school activities and warm environment. Hill has been a leader in handling the COVID protocol at boarding schools since the beginning of the pandemic. We highly recommend touring Hill if your child is interested in boarding school.... Read 123 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 529

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Newtown, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  139 reviews

Sophomore: I'd say that the school is a very opportunistic place, where you're encouraged to "let your life speak" through the things you do. The school offers a lot of AP and IB classes, as well as being one of the only schools with the IB diploma program. However, the discipline system here is a little questionable, but if you don't get in trouble, you won't have to deal with that.... Read 139 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 545

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• West Chester, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  114 reviews

Senior: Coming to Westtown has been one of the greatest decisions I have made to date. Westtown has allowed me to gain experience in leadership, as well as build strong bonds with my peers and faculty. The academics are challenging, but not to the point where it consumes you, and there is plenty of support for students. I've had the wonderful opportunity to try new things and explore, and I learn more about myself every day while there. The fact that it is a Quaker school also adds a unique experience to Westtown. You don't have to be a Quaker to attend, but religious diversity is celebrated at Westtown, as well as learning about other religions. As a Muslim, Westtown has supported me tremendously throughout the month of Ramadan. All in all, a wonderful experience. If you are thinking about a place to grow as a person and not just as a student, Westtown is your place!... Read 114 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 696

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• New Hope, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  60 reviews

Parent: I honestly cannot say enough about Solebury! It was a game changer for my daughter who had a terrible boarding school experience elsewhere her freshman year. The community is extremely welcoming, supportive and encourages inclusivity. The culture is such that there is mutual respect between students and teachers and administrations as well as among the student body (no bullying here). The teachers at Solebury have sparked my daughter's love of learning and the learning support has kept her organized and on point. She is doing better than she ever has academically. The art offerings are extensive and encourage students to try new things. My daughter is extremely happy and so are we.... Read 60 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 237

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Pennsburg, PA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  65 reviews

Senior: I have attended The Perkiomen School since 6th grade. Because of the small class sizes and overall small school size, I was able to develop friendships that I expect to have forever. I was a shy, reserved kid and looking back, appreciate the way the teachers were able to engage us in the discussions. In most of my classes, the desks are arranged in a circle to promote discussion and interaction among students. I also appreciate the ability to play on a sports team, despite your skill level. As an average athlete, I likely would not have been able to participate in any varsity sport in my public high school. Now as a senior at Perk looking back, my attendance has fostered my independence, confidence, social skills and has definitely prepared me for the next step....College!... Read 65 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 286

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Exton, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  44 reviews

Parent: CFS is a really special place. It is a school where my son was seen and affirmed. It provided a safe and creative environment that was conducive for him to learn about himself and the world. My son evolved into a competitive athlete, an artist, a leader, and a well prepared student for higher education. And the "brotherhood" is that very special aspect he will take with him throughout life.... Read 44 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 145

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Malvern, PA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.7 out of 5  20 reviews

Parent: The Phelps school was perfect for our son, not only academically, but socially as well. He needed more attention from teachers than he could get at any other school. It was very easy for our son to sit quietly, doing the minimum. But, the terrific teachers at Phelps would nicely encourage his participation. His grades improved. And, he's thriving at a major college. Our son also had to participate in activities that he would not have otherwise. It added a breadth to his personality and interests. We are so thankful to the terrific teachers!... Read 20 reviews

• grade A

• Students 100

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Wayne, PA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  43 reviews

Alum: I attended VFMC in the middle 90's. It prepared me for a military career and for time management, fortitude and being able to handle stress. I loved my professors and tactical officers, as well as many of my peers. It's a great choice for anyone looking for structured first two years of college or a military career.... Read 43 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 157

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Fairless Hills, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  180 reviews

Alum: CEC has been a home to me both as a student and employee. I have been fortunate to make life long friendships here, build connections and learn both academically, professionally, and personally. I value my experience as a student, which helped to shape me into the person I am today. I learned here that your character is invaluable, I have always strived for excellence in my endeavors, and committed to living the values instilled in me at CEC. Working here now is just an added perk in the experience!... Read 180 reviews

• grade B

• Students 586

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• 1-12

• •
  Rating 3.45 out of 5  40 reviews

Senior: I have attended Girard College for all 12 years of my academic career. Overall, I give the experience a four out of five. In the beginning, everything seemed to be going all right but looking back I'm not sure if it was because I was a kid with no worries or expectations. When I entered the high school everything seemed to change. We went from textbooks to an online curriculum and from hundreds of people to as little as 30 people in a grade. There were a lot of adjustments I had to make but in the end, Girard set me up with an above-grade education. I always had all the resources I needed while being in a safe environment behind the walls. Of course, there were minor problems along the way which is why there is one less star but those problems didn't make my whole experience. Looking back, without Girard I'm not sure where I could be in my high school career so I am as thankful as possible while accepting there could have been slight changes.... Read 40 reviews

• grade B

• Students 328

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Malvern, PA•

• Private School•

• 4-12

• grade unavailable

• Students 86

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Bryn Mawr, PA•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  14 reviews

Alum: I look back, finding and really appreciating what my two years of Post-High schooling at Hill Top helped me to both face and deal with life's realities for what they actually are in life first of all, and also taught me the need to be 'flexible and open' in life to be able to accept and make a change in my life as far as a career and future in my life is concerned most of all, as well. Basically, Hill Top taught me self-confidence and how to learn from both my failures as well as my successes even more and most of all in my life for that matter, as well! Bill Bates '1974 🎓... Read 14 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Students 80

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• Glenmoore, PA•

• Private School•

• 2-12

• grade unavailable

• Students 70

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1